AFRICAN ART FOR CONSERVATION

Fanie De Klerk

Fanie is what he is. An artist whose talent can no longer be questioned as it has been established authoritatively by connoisseurs.

Some time ago the SABC commissioned him to participate in some of their projects and to paint some landscapes which grace their studios. During 2001 he was commissioned to paint a portrait of Lennox Lewis, who delighted by it, took it back home. At an auction, held at a recent re-union of the 1995 Springbok Rugby World Champions, a number of his portraits, depicting the heroes and their action on that historic occasion, for which Fanie had been commissioned, were sold with great acclaim. At the SCI Convention held in Las Vegas during 2002, six of his paintings of wild life, which had been exhibited there, fetched fitting prices. Quite a number of his paintings can also be found in private collections in Europe.

CONSERVATION

Protecting an astounding diversity of species. (Humans included.)
Africa is home to certain species that are facing extinction, including mountain gorillas and Grevy’s zebras. By putting safeguards in place like training rangers, using sniffer dogs, and empowering communities, we’re helping to ensure all of Africa’s wildlife survives.

Critical to protecting Africa’s wildlife are the local people. Sharing the land, often alongside each other, can lead to struggles for resources and deforestation. If people and wildlife learn to live together—inside and outside of protected areas—the future for all will thrive.